Fishing line accessory systems, methods, and apparatuses

ABSTRACT

A fishing line accessory system for securing fishing accessories to a fishing line includes a primary coupling component, a secondary coupling component coupleable with the primary coupling component, and at least one fishing accessory. One of the coupling components has a first magnet, at least one fishing accessory includes a second magnet, and the second magnet is attachable to and detachable from the first magnet. The fishing line is secured between the primary coupling component and the secondary coupling component.

The present application is a continuation-in-part application claimingthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,106 (filed Jun.2, 2011). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/152,106 is an applicationclaiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/351,149 (filed Jun. 3, 2010), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/363,131 (filed Jul. 9, 2010), and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/387,125 (filed Sep. 28, 2010). The present application is basedon and claims priority from these applications, the disclosures of whichare hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Described herein are fishing line accessory systems, methods, andapparatuses. More specifically, described herein are systems, methods,and apparatuses for securing strike indicators, bobbers, floats,weights, and other accessories to a fishing line.

Have you ever seen a fisherman's tackle box? There is a reason thosespecially designed boxes have so many compartments. Fishermen everywherelove to use, collect, buy, try, experiment with, and otherwise enjoy allsorts of accessories. In addition to the bait and hook at the end of thefishing line, there is a plethora of other accessories that fishermeninterconnect (e.g. secure) to the fishing line at a point intermediatelybetween the end of the fishing pole and the end of the fishing line.Examples of these accessories include, but are not limited to, strikeindicators, bobbers, floats, and weights.

Currently, accessories suffer from one or more of the followingdeficiencies:

-   -   Some known accessories do not strongly (which includes securely)        connect to fishing line.    -   If the accessories are strongly connected, they are not easily        removed.    -   Accessories tend to damage the fishing line by bending or        kinking it when they are secured to the fishing line.    -   Accessories easily fall off of the fishing line if they are not        strongly connected.    -   Accessories are not easily repositioned on the line once        connected.    -   The fishing line must pass through the body of the accessory,        affecting performance of the accessory.

In fly fishing, the kinking of the leader (the fishing line between theend of the fishing pole and the end of the fishing line-in fly fishingthe leader is a thinner material that connects the main fly line towhere the final/terminal tackle and bait is connected) by theseaccessories precludes their use in dry fly fishing and requiresreplacement of the leader to do so.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,850,748 to Foster, U.S. Pat. No. 2,379,676 toBlackstone, U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,513 to Dmytriw, and U.S. Pat. No.7,832,139 to Christensen all disclose various types of systems, methods,and/or apparatuses for connecting floats to a fishing line. Thesepatents are herein incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,513 to Dmytriw discloses a fishing float thatincludes a buoyant float body and a fishing line attachment memberadapted to be removably coupled to the buoyant float body. The buoyantfloat body has an internal annular groove designed to receive anexternal annular rib of the attachment member. The attachment member hasa slit that is dimensioned to receive and frictionally retain a fishingline. The attachment member is force-fit into a neck opening of thebuoyant float body (and thereby compresses the slit so that it furthergrips the fishing line) until the rib snaps into the groove. The fishingline is trapped between the buoyant float body and the attachment memberwhen they are coupled together. The attachment member is removed fromthe neck opening of the buoyant float body by twisting the attachmentmember and pulling it axially outwards.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,513 to Dmytriw also discloses an alternative fishingfloat that includes a buoyant float body and a fishing line attachmentmember adapted to be removably coupled to the buoyant float body. Thebuoyant float body has a flange that is formed around the outer end ofthe neck. The attachment member is in the form of a plastic snap-on capwith two slits on its outer peripheral wall. The slits frictionallyengage a fishing line. Further, the slits are arranged so that the lineis at an angled path to reduce the likelihood of the line being pulledthrough the cap. The fishing line is trapped between the buoyant floatbody and the attachment member when they are coupled together.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,781 to Bigelow and U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,210 to Mooreboth disclose floats that include a balloon and a valve. The systemsdisclosed by these references are complicated and expensive to produce.These patents, however, are herein incorporated by reference.

The fishing industry has long used accessories (e.g. bobbers, lures, andsinkers) that glow or are otherwise illuminated. The followingreferences show examples of illuminated fishing accessories: U.S. Pat.No. 2,201,588 to Kuhns discloses a lighted bobber for fishing lines.U.S. Pat. No. 2,490,669 to Burke discloses an illuminated bobber. U.S.Pat. No. 2,826,850 to Laudan discloses a fishing bobber impregnated witha fluorescent dye. U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,484 to Young discloses anilluminated fishing float. U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,584 to Lindsay disclosesluminescent fishing lures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,030 to Wohead discloses aluminescent floating sinker. U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,205 to Klammerdiscloses an illuminated bobber. U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,344 to Bussierediscloses glow in the dark material for fishing accessories. U.S. Pat.No. 5,359,804 to Burns discloses a fishing bobber that may have a cavityfor receiving a glowing phosphorescence, fluorescent, or light stickmatter. U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,016 to Ellig discloses a luminous fishinglure. U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,323 to Bogess discloses a light stick holdingdevice for a fishing float. U.S. Pat. No. 7,225,580 to Chou discloses afishing bobber having a lighting device. The systems disclosed by thesereferences are complicated and expensive to produce. These patents,however, are herein incorporated by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is a fishing line accessory system for securing fishingaccessories to a fishing line, the system including a primary couplingcomponent, a secondary coupling component coupleable with the primarycoupling component, and at least one fishing accessory. One of thecoupling components has a first magnet, at least one fishing accessoryincludes a second magnet, and the second magnet is attachable to anddetachable from the first magnet. The fishing line is secured betweenthe primary coupling component and the secondary coupling component. Theat least one fishing accessory is magnetically attachable to the coupledcoupling components.

The at least one fishing accessory may be the second magnet, the secondmagnet attractable to the first magnet. The system may further includeat least one additional magnet that is attractable to the first orsecond magnet.

The at least one fishing accessory including a second magnet may be afloat with an affixed magnet.

Preferred fishing line accessory systems for securing fishingaccessories to a fishing line described herein include a primarythreaded coupling component and a secondary threaded coupling component.Preferably, at least one of the threaded coupling components has a gapdefined therein. Preferably, at least one of the threaded couplingcomponents has at least one fishing accessory connected or connectablethereto. The secondary threaded coupling component is rotatably matablewith the primary threaded coupling component such that the gap isobstructed when the threaded coupling components are in a matingrelationship. A fishing line that is captured by the threaded couplingcomponents in an adjustably secure relationship can be adjusted withoutcompletely disengaging the threaded coupling components.

In preferred fishing line accessory systems, the primary threadedcoupling component may be a “male” coupling component having the gapdefined therein and an exterior threaded surface, and the secondarythreaded coupling component being a “female” coupling component havingan interior threaded surface. In some preferred fishing line accessorysystems the at least one fishing accessory is connectable or connectedto the “male” coupling component. In other preferred fishing lineaccessory systems the at least one fishing accessory is connectable orconnected to the “female” coupling component.

In preferred fishing line accessory systems, at least one of thethreaded coupling components has at least one fishing accessory affixed,attached or attachable, or secured or securable thereto.

In preferred fishing line accessory systems, the at least one threadedcoupling component having a gap defined therein may include a base and ashaft. The shaft may be connected at one end to the base and forked tohave two tines separated by the gap.

In preferred fishing line accessory systems, one of the threadedcoupling components has an at least partially threaded exterior surfaceand one of the threaded coupling components has an at least partiallythreaded interior surface.

In some preferred fishing line accessory systems, one of the threadedcoupling components has an interior plunger chamber and an exteriorchamber with at least a partially threaded interior surface. The otherthreaded coupling component has a shaft divided into a narrow plungerand a wider shaft portion with an at least partially threaded exteriorsurface and a gap defined therein. A spring and the narrow plunger arepreferably positioned within the interior plunger chamber. The springprovides outward pressure to expose the gap. The threaded interiorsurface and the threaded exterior surface are rotatably matable suchthat when they are mated the gap is obstructed and the outward pressurefrom the spring is overcome (in other words, the spring does not forcethe narrow plunger substantially out of the interior plunger chamber).

In some preferred fishing line accessory systems, one of the threadedcoupling components having an attachable or attractable device (e.g. amagnet) embedded therein, the at least one fishing accessory isconnected or connectable to an attachable or attractable device (e.g. amagnet), and the attachable or attractable devices are attractable toeach other.

In some preferred fishing line accessory systems, one of the threadedcoupling components having an air path defined therein and a valvepositioned within the air path, the at least one fishing accessory beingan inflatable fishing accessory, air being introducible to theinflatable fishing accessory via the valve and air path.

The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification.However, both the organization and method of operation, together withfurther advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood byreference to the following descriptions taken in connection withaccompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary fishing lineaccessory systems and/or provide teachings by which the variousexemplary fishing line accessory methods are more readily understood.

FIG. 1 is an exploded side elevational view of a preferred exemplaryfirst fishing line accessory system including a fishing accessory havingan affixed “male” forked coupling component and a “female” cap couplingcomponent.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred exemplary firstfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the capcoupling component snap-fit onto the forked coupling component.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side elevational view of a preferred exemplarysecond fishing line accessory system including a fishing accessoryhaving an affixed “male” forked coupling component and a “female” nutcoupling component.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the preferred exemplary secondfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the nutcoupling component rotationally fit onto the forked coupling component.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred exemplary thirdfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the thirdfishing line accessory system including a fishing accessory having anaffixed “female” nut coupling component and a “male” notched couplingcomponent, the notch engaging the fishing line and the notched couplingcomponent rotationally fit into the nut coupling component.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side elevational view of a preferred exemplaryfourth fishing line accessory system including a fishing accessoryhaving an affixed “female” slotted-path coupling component and a “male”notched coupling component with outwardly extending pegs.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the preferred exemplary fourthfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the notchedcoupling component fit into the slotted-path coupling component, and theoutwardly extending pegs following the slotted-path.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional exploded side view of a preferred exemplaryfifth fishing line accessory system including a fishing accessory havingan affixed “female” nut coupling component and a “male” notched couplingcomponent.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the preferred exemplary fifthfishing line accessory system in a fishing line insertion position inwhich a spring in the plunger chamber of the nut coupling component haspushed the plunger of the notched coupling component outward to exposethe notch for easy insertion of the fishing line.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the preferred exemplary fifthfishing line accessory system in a fishing line securing position inwhich the spring in the plunger chamber of the nut coupling component iscompressed, the notch is engaging the fishing line, and the shaft of thenotched coupling component is rotationally fit into the nut couplingcomponent.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view with a cutaway showing across-section of a preferred exemplary sixth fishing line accessorysystem including a fishing accessory having an affixed “female” framecoupling component and a tethered “male” cap coupling component, thesixth fishing line accessory system being shown in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the preferred exemplary sixthfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the capcoupling component inserted into the frame coupling component.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view with a cutaway showing across-section of a preferred exemplary seventh fishing line accessorysystem including a fishing accessory having an affixed “female” framecoupling component and a tethered “male” cap coupling component, theseventh fishing line accessory system being shown in an open position.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the preferred exemplary seventhfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the capcoupling component inserted into the frame coupling component.

FIG. 15 is an exploded side perspective view of a preferred exemplaryeighth fishing line accessory system including a “male” forked couplingcomponent and a “female” nut coupling component, the base of the “male”forked coupling component having an embedded magnet, attachable fishingaccessories (shown as magnet weights) being ready to attach to theembedded magnet.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the preferred exemplary eighthfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the nutcoupling component rotationally fit onto the forked coupling component,and the attachable fishing accessories being attached to the embeddedmagnet.

FIG. 17 is an exploded side perspective view of a preferred exemplaryninth fishing line accessory system including a “male” forked couplingcomponent and a “female” nut coupling component (with a partialcutaway), the “female” nut coupling component having an embedded magnet,attachable fishing accessories (shown as magnet weights) being ready toattach to the embedded magnet.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the preferred exemplary ninthfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the nutcoupling component rotationally fit onto the forked coupling component,and the attachable fishing accessories being attached to the embeddedmagnet.

FIG. 19 is an exploded side perspective view of a preferred exemplarytenth fishing line accessory system including a “male” forked couplingcomponent and a “female” nut coupling component, one of the couplingcomponents having an embedded magnet, an attachable fishing accessory(shown as a float with an affixed magnet) being ready to attach to theembedded magnet.

FIG. 20 is an exploded side perspective view of a preferred exemplaryeleventh fishing line accessory system including a “male” forkedcoupling component and a “female” nut coupling component, an attachablefishing accessory (shown as a weight with a transparent “female” notchedcoupling component) being ready to attach to the end of the threadedshaft (of the “male” forked coupling component) extending beyond the nutcoupling component.

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of the preferred exemplary eleventhfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line, the nutcoupling component rotationally fit onto the forked coupling component,and the attachable fishing accessories being attached to the end of thethreaded shaft extending beyond the nut coupling component.

FIG. 22 is an exploded side perspective view of a preferred exemplarytwelfth fishing line accessory system including a “male” forked couplingcomponent having a shaft with an at least partially threaded exteriorsurface and a combined “female” nut coupling component and fishingaccessory (including a weight).

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional exploded side view of a preferred exemplarythirteenth fishing line accessory system including a “male” forkedcoupling component and a “female” nut coupling component, the “male”forked coupling component having an internal valve, an attachablefishing accessory (shown as a deflated balloon) being attached to thefishing accessory attachment structure of the forked coupling component.

FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the preferred exemplarythirteenth fishing line accessory system with the fishing line accessoryin an at least partially inflated state.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the preferred exemplarythirteenth fishing line accessory system with the fishing line accessoryin its at least partially inflated state secured to a fishing line, thenut coupling component rotationally fit onto the forked couplingcomponent.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional exploded side view of a preferred exemplaryfourteenth fishing line accessory system including a “male” forkedcoupling component and a “female” nut coupling component, an attachablefishing accessory (shown as a deflated balloon) attachable to thefishing accessory attachment structure of the “female” nut couplingcomponent.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional exploded side view of the preferredexemplary fourteenth fishing line accessory system in which theattachable fishing accessory has been attached to the fishing accessoryattachment structure.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of the preferred exemplaryfourteenth fishing line accessory system in which the attachable fishingaccessory is shown in its at least partially inflated state.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the preferred exemplaryfourteenth fishing line accessory system with the fishing line accessoryin its inflated state secured to a fishing line, the forked couplingcomponent rotationally fit into the nut coupling component.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred exemplaryfifteenth fishing line accessory system with an attachable fishing lineaccessory (shown as an inflated balloon) secured to a fishing line.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred exemplarysixteenth fishing line accessory system with an attachable fishing lineaccessory (shown as an inflated balloon) secured to a fishing line.

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a preferred exemplary seventeenth fishingline accessory system with an air-lock bobber having a cavity definedtherein and a post coupling component.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the seventeenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 32 fully assembled.

FIG. 34 is a perspective exploded view of the seventeenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 32 with the knurled nut and rubber washer shownin phantom.

FIG. 35 is a front exploded view of the seventeenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 32 with the knurled nut and rubber washer shownin phantom, the back view being a mirror image of the front view.

FIG. 36 is a first side exploded view of the seventeenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 32 with the knurled nut and rubber washer shownin phantom, the second side exploded view being a mirror image of thefirst side view.

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the seventeenth fishing line accessorysystem of FIG. 32, the knurled nut being shown in phantom, and the tinesof the shaft being visible.

FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the seventeenth fishing line accessorysystem of FIG. 32 without the knurled nut and rubber washer.

FIG. 39 is a top view of the seventeenth fishing line accessory systemo.

FIG. 32.

FIG. 40 is an exploded view of a preferred exemplary eighteenth fishingline accessory system shown with a glow stick that is insertable into anair-lock bobber.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the eighteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 40, fully assembled.

FIG. 42 is a perspective exploded view of the eighteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 40, with the knurled nut, rubber washer, andglow stick shown in phantom.

FIG. 43 is a front exploded view of the eighteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 40 with the knurled nut, rubber washer, andglow stick shown in phantom, the back view being a mirror image of thefront view.

FIG. 44 is a first side exploded view of the eighteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 40, with the knurled nut, rubber washer, andglow stick shown in phantom, the second side exploded view being amirror image of the first side view.

FIG. 45 is a bottom view of the eighteenth fishing line accessory systemof FIG. 40, the knurled nut being shown in phantom, and the tines of theshaft being visible.

FIG. 46 is a bottom of the eighteenth fishing line accessory system ofFIG. 40, without the knurled nut.

FIG. 47 is a top view of the eighteenth fishing line accessory system ofFIG. 40, with the glow stick shown in phantom inserted in the squareshaft.

FIG. 48 is a top view of the eighteenth fishing line accessory system o.

FIG. 40, without a glow stick inserted in the square shaft.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a square post that may be used with a“square version” of an air-lock bobber of the preferred exemplaryseventeenth and eighteenth fishing line accessory systems.

FIG. 50 is a front view of the square post of FIG. 49, the back viewbeing a mirror image of the front view.

FIG. 51 is a first side view of the square post of FIG. 49, the secondside view being a mirror image of the first side view.

FIG. 52 is a top view of the square post of FIG. 49.

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the square post of FIG. 49.

FIG. 54 is a top view of a “square version” of an air-lock bobber with asquare channel, the square channel opening being visible, the bottomview being a mirror image of the top view.

FIG. 55 is a perspective side view of the “square version” of anair-lock bobber, the square channel shown in phantom.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a circular post that may be used with a“circular version” of an air-lock bobber of the preferred exemplaryseventeenth and eighteenth fishing line accessory systems.

FIG. 57 is a front view of the circular post of FIG. 56, the back viewbeing a mirror image of the front view.

FIG. 58 is a first side view of the circular post of FIG. 56, the secondside view being a mirror image of the first side view.

FIG. 59 is a top view of the circular post of FIG. 56.

FIG. 60 is a bottom view of the circular post of FIG. 56.

FIG. 61 is a top view of a “circular version” of an air-lock bobber witha circular channel, the circular channel opening being visible, thebottom view being a mirror image of the top view.

FIG. 62 is a perspective side view of the “circular version” of anair-lock bobber, the circular channel shown in phantom.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a triangular post that may be used witha “triangular version” of an air-lock bobber of the preferred exemplaryseventeenth and eighteenth fishing line accessory systems.

FIG. 64 is a first side view of the triangular post of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a second side view of the triangular post of FIG. 63.

FIG. 66 is a third side view of the triangular post of FIG. 63.

FIG. 67 is a top view of the triangular post of FIG. 63 FIG. 68 is abottom view of the triangular post of FIG. 63.

FIG. 69 is a top view of a “triangular version” of an air-lock bobberwith a triangular channel, the triangular channel opening being visible,the bottom view being a mirror image of the top view.

FIG. 70 is a perspective side view of the “triangular version” of anair-lock bobber, the triangular channel shown in phantom.

FIG. 71 is an exploded view of a preferred exemplary nineteenth fishingline accessory system, with a glow stick inserted into a through-shaftwith end tines, with a first knurled nut, a rubber washer, and a secondknurled nut attached to the end tines.

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled preferred exemplarynineteenth fishing line accessory system of FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the through-shaft of the preferredexemplary nineteenth fishing line accessory system of FIG. 71.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the preferred exemplary nineteenthfishing line accessory system of FIG. 71, without the first knurled nut,the rubber washer, and the second knurled nut attached to the end tines.

FIG. 75 is front view of the preferred exemplary nineteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 74, the back view being a mirror image of thefront view.

FIG. 76 is a first side view of the preferred exemplary nineteenthfishing line accessory system of FIG. 74, the second side view being amirror image of the first side view.

FIG. 77 is a bottom view of the preferred exemplary nineteenth fishingline accessory system of FIG. 74.

FIG. 78 is a top view of the preferred exemplary nineteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 74.

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the preferred exemplary nineteenthfishing line accessory system of FIG. 71, with the first knurled nut,the rubber washer, and the second knurled nut attached to the end tines.

FIG. 80 is a first side view of the preferred exemplary nineteenthfishing line accessory system of FIG. 79, the second side view being amirror image of the first side view.

FIG. 81 is a front view of the preferred exemplary nineteenth fishingline accessory system of FIG. 79, the back view being a mirror image ofthe front view.

FIG. 82 is a bottom view of the preferred exemplary nineteenth fishingline accessory system of FIG. 79.

FIG. 83 is a top view of the preferred exemplary nineteenth fishing lineaccessory system of FIG. 79.

The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features orcomponents herein may be shown in somewhat schematic form and somedetails of conventional elements may not be shown or described in theinterest of clarity and conciseness. The drawing figures are herebyincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are fishing line accessory systems, methods, andapparatuses. More specifically, described herein are systems, methods,and apparatuses for securing fishing accessories such as strikeindicators, bobbers, floats, and weights to a fishing line. Preferredembodiments facilitate easy adjustment and/or removal of theseaccessories without kinking the fishing line. This is especiallyimportant in fly fishing as it affords the user the ability to changefrom “nymph” fishing to “dry” fishing without changing leaders as thereis no kinking of the leader. The fishing line accessory systemsdescribed herein may be used, for example, in fly fishing and gearfishing. Larger floats or weights used in commercial fishing could alsobe secured in a like manner.

The fishing line accessory systems (described in detail herein) aresecured to the fishing line 80. In the case of a strike indicator,bobber, or float, the fishing line accessory system is secured to thefishing line 80 in such a way as to afford the hook, lure, or fly theproper depth below the surface of the water. The fishing line 80 is thencast out into the water, and the fly, lure, or hook with bait issuspended therein at the desired depth.

The fishing line accessory systems described herein solve problems withknown devices that connect to fishing lines. These problems include, butare not limited to: (1) poor fixation to the fishing line (in which casethey tend to “slip”); (2) difficult or time consuming methods forrepositioning the known devices; (3) difficult or time consuming methodsfor removing the known devices; and (4) kinking or damaging the fishingline. The fishing line accessory systems described herein facilitatesecurement of fishing accessories to fishing lines 80 or leaders, yetafford easy adjustment and removal with no discernable fishing linekinking.

Please note that the terms and phrases may have additional definitionsand/or examples throughout the specification. Where otherwise notspecifically defined, words, phrases, and acronyms are given theirordinary meaning in the art. The following paragraphs provide some ofthe definitions for terms and phrases used herein.

-   -   The term “fishing” is meant to include many types of fishing        including, but not limited to, fly fishing (using an artificial        “fly” to catch fish—can be “nymph” fishing or “dry” fishing),        drift fishing (in a boat that is not anchored but is drifting        with the wind and current), trolling, and gear fishing.    -   The phrase “fishing accessory” and the term “accessory,” as used        herein, are defined as any type of fishing device that can be        secured to a fishing line. In most cases, the accessory will be        secured to the fishing line at a point intermediately between        the end of the fishing pole and the end of the fishing line.        Examples of these accessories include, but are not limited to,        strike indicators, bobbers, floats, spoons, spinners, soft        baits, yarns, beads, bobber stops, surgical tubing, and weights.        Hooks, lures, planers, divers, flies, and/or bait may also be        considered accessories. The phrase “accessory body” may be used        to describe the main portion of the accessory. Depending on its        use, a body may have different properties. A body for a float or        bobber may have, for example, a spherical, oblong, teardrop,        football, or irregular shape. Floating accessories (e.g. floats        or bobber bodies) may be made of any floating material        including, but not limited to, a rubber or latex (e.g. a        balloon), plastic (e.g. a hollow plastic shape), polystyrene        (e.g. STYROFOAM®), cork, foam, yarn, neoprene, silicone, or any        other floating material. On the other hand, the body for a        weight may be or may include any heavy material including, but        not limited to, magnets, metal (e.g. lead), sand, or any        material that would sink in water. In addition to shown weights        that have a housing (that may be a plastic housing) with an        embedded weight (e.g. FIGS. 20-22), alternative weights could be        made completely of a heavy material or could be a pouch or        closed tube that can be filled with heavy material.    -   The phrase “coupling component,” as used herein, is defined as a        generic “part” (component) that, when paired with a mating        coupling component, can be used to secure fishing line        therebetween. Many of the systems described herein have coupling        components that are rotatably matable (e.g. they screw        together). The fishing line accessory systems described herein        each have coupling components that have been designated as        “male” coupling components and “female” coupling components. The        phrases “primary” coupling component and “secondary” coupling        component, as used in the claims, designate two complementary        coupling components that may be “male” and “female,” that may be        “female and “male,” or that may be two “gender neutral” coupling        components. In some embodiments, the coupling component may be a        “stem” attached to an accessory body.    -   Three terms are used to describe various strengths of        connections and/or interconnections. The term “attach” is        defined as relatively removable or light connections (as        compared to the “secure” and “affixed” connections described        below). For example, although extremely strong magnets are used        herein, the magnetic connection would be described as        “attached.” Another example is that a balloon can be described        as being “attached” to the fishing accessory attachment        structure. The term “secure” is defined as a removable        interconnection that is stronger than one that is “attached.”        The term “secure” is used to describe how fishing line accessory        systems are connected with the fishing line or how coupling        components of the fishing line accessory systems are        interconnected. Some “secure” connections are “adjustably        secure” in that the connection to the fishing line is secure,        but the fishing line accessory system can be repositioned on the        fishing line. It should be noted that there may be some overlap        between connections that are “attached” and connections that are        “secure.” The term “affix” is defined as a more permanent        connection including an integral or embedded connection.        Components that are “affixed” are not designed to be separated        and if separated would be considered “broken” and/or in need of        fixing (e.g. by gluing components together). In some of the        shown fishing line accessory systems, components are affixed by        being adhered together. FIG. 13 shows a frame coupling component        that is affixed to a fishing accessory using a screw that is not        intended to be removed. The term “connect” is used as a generic        of the terms “attach,” “secure,” and “affix.”    -   The term “forked” is defined as two elements having a gap        therebetween (divided). The term “notched” is defined as an        element having a gap therein. Additional terms that could be        used to describe a gap include, but are not limited to, “slit”        and “slot.” The gap in both forked and notched fishing line        accessory systems is designed to accommodate the fishing line        80. The “male” forked coupling components include two “tines”        separated by a gap. It should be noted that in fishing line        accessory systems having forked components, the gap can be        “lengthwise” along a longitudinal axis or parallel to the        longitudinal axis. Examples of this type of forked components        are shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 22-31. The gap in        notched fishing line accessory systems is shown as “angled” or        “slanted” in relation to a longitudinal axis. Examples of this        type of gap are shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9. Unless specifically        limited to one type of gap, the shown gap in a particular        fishing line accessory system is meant to be exemplary and not        limiting. It should also be noted that more than one gap may be        used.    -   Each of the fishing line accessory systems described herein        include at least one apparatus (e.g. the fishing accessory        combined with the coupling components) and at least one method        (e.g. the process of connecting the apparatus to the fishing        line 80). The term “system” is used generically to describe the        apparatus and/or the method for using the apparatus.    -   Unless specifically stated otherwise, chronological terms such        as “first,” “second,” and “third” are meant solely for purposes        of designation and not for order or limitation. For example, the        “first fishing line accessory system” has no order relationship        with the “second fishing line accessory system.”    -   It should be noted that relative terms (e.g. “upper” and        “lower”) are meant to help in the understanding of the        technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the        invention. Similarly, the term “front” is meant to be relative        to the term “back” and the term “top” is meant to be relative to        the term “bottom.” If a system is rotated (its positions are        changed), the terms would change accordingly.    -   It should be noted that the terms “may,” “might,” “can,” and        “could” are used to indicate alternatives and optional features        and only should be construed as a limitation if specifically        included in the claims. For example, the phrase “the fishing        line accessory system may have an O-ring” indicates that the        O-ring is optional. It should be noted that the various        components, features, steps, or embodiments thereof are all        “preferred” whether or not it is specifically indicated. Claims        not including a specific limitation should not be construed to        include that limitation.    -   It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the term        “or” is used in its nonexclusive form (e.g. “A or B” includes A,        B, A and B, or any combination thereof, but it would not have to        include all of these possibilities). It should be noted that,        unless otherwise specified, “and/or” is used similarly (e.g. “A        and/or B” includes A, B, A and B, or any combination thereof,        but it would not have to include all of these possibilities). It        should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the terms        “includes,” “has,” and “comprises” mean “contains” (e.g. a        device that includes, has, or comprises A and B, contains A and        B, but optionally may contain C or additional components other        than A and B). It should be noted that, unless otherwise        specified, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to one        or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.        Exemplary Preferred Fishing Line Accessory Systems

FIGS. 1-66 show various exemplary preferred fishing line accessorysystems. Not all of the preferred fishing line accessory systems arespecifically represented in a figure. The following general variations(which are not necessarily applicable to all the fishing line accessorysystems) provide additional preferred fishing line accessory systems.

-   -   As a first general matter, several of the fishing line accessory        systems described herein have a pair of threaded coupling        components that are rotatably matable so that they may be        connected in a rotational relationship (a type of mating        relationship). This rotational relationship is an adjustably        secure relationship in that the coupling components can be        separated (and brought together). This allows a user to        partially separate one coupling component (partially unscrew)        from the other coupling component so that the fishing line can        be inserted and/or adjusted without completely disengaging the        coupling components from their mating relationship. In fishing        line accessory systems such as those shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and        15-66, a slight separation (unscrewing) can allow enough room in        the gap so that the fishing line can be pulled through the gap        and, thereby, the position of the fishing line accessory system        may be adjusted in relation to the fishing line.    -   As a second general matter, the specific fishing accessory shown        in the figures is meant to be an example of a fishing accessory        and does not limit the fishing line accessory system to that        specifically shown fishing accessory. For example, a fishing        accessory shown as a bobber could be replaced with a bobber of a        different size, shape (e.g. spherical, oblong, teardrop,        football, or irregular), or material (balloon, hollow spherical        plastic, polystyrene, cork, foam, yarn, neoprene, silicone, or        other floating material). Alternatively, the bobber could be        replaced by a weight. Weights may be, for example, magnets,        metal (e.g. lead), sand, or any material that would sink in        water.    -   As a third general matter, the absence or presence of an O-ring        (that may be used, for example, for sealing purposes, to limit        sliding, or to protect the fishing line when the system is        tightened) in the figures is not meant to be limiting as most of        the embodiments could be modified to include or exclude the        O-ring depending, for example, on the purpose of the fishing        accessory and/or the materials from which the fishing accessory        is constructed. The shown positions of the O-rings are also        meant to be exemplary. For example, O-rings could be positioned        around “male” coupling components and/or positioned within the        “female” coupling components. The shown shapes of the O-rings        are also meant to be exemplary. For example, the O-ring might be        a flat disk (washer-shaped) with a central hole (with a        rectangular cross-section) or it might be torus-shaped (with a        circular cross-section as shown in FIG. 13).    -   As a fourth general matter, the coupling components may be        tethered (or connected via a lanyard) together even if they are        shown as discrete elements. This would prevent loss of one of        the components during the attachment and detachment process. (It        should be noted that the tether should allow proper rotation for        systems in which the components are to be rotationally        connected.) Similarly, embodiments shown as tethered together        could be made in an embodiment with discrete elements.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first fishing line accessory system that includes afishing accessory 100 having an affixed “male” forked coupling component102 (that includes 102 a and 102 b) and a “female” cap couplingcomponent 104. As shown, the “male” forked coupling component 102 has abase 102 a and a shaft 102 b that is forked to have two tines 102 b′,102 b′ separated by a gap 102 c into which a fishing line 80 may beinserted. The base 102 a is affixed to the fishing accessory 100. Anoptional O-ring 106 is shown at the base of the shaft 102 b that helpsboth in the gripping of the fishing line 80 and sealing. As shown inFIG. 2, the cap coupling component 104 is snap-fit onto the forkedcoupling component 102 (after the fishing line 80 has been inserted intothe gap 102 c) to secure the first fishing line accessory system to thefishing line 80. In this mating relationship, the gap 102 c isobstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” or slippingout (thereby capturing the fishing line). In one preferred first fishingline accessory system, the interior surface of the cap couplingcomponent 104 is slightly smaller than the exterior surface of the shaft102 b and the tines 102 b′, 102 b′ of the shaft 102 b are at leastslightly resilient. When the cap coupling component 104 is on the shaft102 b, the tines 102 b′, 102 b′ of the shaft 102 b are compressedslightly together to grip the fishing line 80 secured therebetween. Oneof the advantages of the “male” forked coupling component 102 beingaffixed to the fishing accessory 100 is that it is the more expensivecomponent and would float if dropped, whereas the cap coupling component104 is less expensive.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second fishing line accessory system including afishing accessory 110 having an affixed “male” forked coupling component112 (that includes 112 a and 112 b) and a “female” nut couplingcomponent 114. As shown, the “male” forked coupling component 112 has abase 112 a and a shaft 112 b with an at least partially threadedexterior surface 112 c. The base 112 a is affixed to the fishingaccessory 110. The shaft 112 b is forked to have two tines 112 b′ 112 b′separated by a gap 112 d into which a fishing line 80 may be inserted.An optional O-ring 116 is shown at the base of the shaft 112 b thathelps both in the gripping of the fishing line 80 and sealing. The nutcoupling component 114 has an at least partially threaded interiorsurface 114 a. As shown in FIG. 4, the nut coupling component 114 isrotationally fit (screwed) onto the forked coupling component 112 (afterthe fishing line 80 has been inserted into the gap 112 d) to secure thesecond fishing line accessory system to a fishing line 80. In thismating relationship, the gap 112 d is obstructed to prevent the fishingline 80 from “escaping” or slipping out (thereby capturing the fishingline). In one preferred second fishing line accessory system, theinterior surfaces of the nut coupling component 114 is slightly smallerthan the exterior surface of the shaft 112 b and the tines 112 b′, 112b′ of the shaft 112 b are at least slightly resilient. When the nutcoupling component 114 is on the shaft 112 b, the tines 112 b′, 112 b′of the shaft 112 b are compressed slightly together to grip the fishingline 80 secured therebetween. This second fishing line accessory systemhas the advantage of the “male” forked coupling component 112 beingaffixed to the fishing accessory 110 as discussed above. One of theadvantages of having a rotational relationship between two threadedcoupling components 112, 114 is that the relationship (an adjustablysecure relationship) between the two components can be separated (andbrought together) partially and gradually. This allows a user togradually back (unscrew) the “male” coupling component 112 out (unscrew)of the “female” coupling component 114 so that the fishing line 80 hasroom to be pulled through the gap and, thereby, the position of thefishing line accessory system may be adjusted in relation to the fishingline 80.

FIG. 5 shows a third fishing line accessory system secured to a fishingline 80. The third fishing line accessory system includes a fishingaccessory 120 having an affixed “female” nut coupling component 124 anda “male” notched coupling component 122 (that includes 122 a and 122 b).The “male” notched coupling component 122 has a base 122 a and a shaft122 b with an at least partially threaded exterior surface 122 c and anotch 126. The “female” nut coupling component 124 has an at leastpartially threaded interior surface 124 a. The notched couplingcomponent 122 (with its notch 126 that is engaging the fishing line 80)is rotationally fit (screwed) into the nut coupling component 124. Inthis mating relationship, the notch 126 is obstructed to prevent thefishing line 80 from “escaping” or slipping out (thereby capturing thefishing line). The shown third fishing line accessory system includes anoptional lanyard or tether 128 that is shown as spanning the distancebetween the nut coupling component 124 and the notched couplingcomponent 122. The tether 128 has attachment mechanisms at both ends formating with its respective components. For example, the tether 128 mayhave an aperture at one end through which the shaft 122 b may beinserted. This third fishing line accessory system has the advantage ofthe rotational relationship (an adjustably secure relationship) betweentwo threaded coupling components 122, 124, as discussed above, thatallows the position of the fishing line accessory system to be adjustedin relation to the fishing line 80.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a fourth fishing line accessory system including afishing accessory 130 having an affixed “female” slotted-path couplingcomponent (shown as a tube 134) and a “male” notched coupling component(shown as a tube or solid cylinder 132). The shown fishing accessory 130is a substantially frustum-shaped cork, but alternative fishingaccessories could be substituted. The annular surface of the “female”slotted-path coupling component 134 has at least one slotted-path 134 a(e.g. one on each side of the coupling component 134) that is shown ashaving at least one change of direction (angle) and an enlarged section(a “stop”). The “male” notched coupling component 132 has a notch 132 adefined therein and at least one outwardly extending peg 132 b (e.g. oneon each side of the coupling component 132) that extends radially fromthe peripheral surface of the coupling component 132. Two outwardlyextending pegs 132 b may be formed by a single pin inserted transverselythrough the notched coupling component 132 (tube). In use, the fishingline 80 is inserted into the notch 132 a of the notched couplingcomponent 132. Then the outwardly extending pegs 132 b of the notchedcoupling component 132 are aligned with the respective openings of theslotted-paths 134 a of the slotted-path coupling component 134. Bypushing inward and turning the coupling components 132, 134 in relationto each other so that the outwardly extending pegs 132 b follow theirrespective slotted-paths 134 a, the fourth fishing line accessory systemis secured to the fishing line 80 as shown in FIG. 7. In this matingrelationship, the notch 132 a is obstructed to prevent the fishing line80 from “escaping” or slipping out (thereby capturing the fishing line).

A fifth fishing line accessory system, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10has a unique plunger system that (1) provides assistance intransitioning from a fishing line insertion position (FIG. 9) to afishing line securing position (FIG. 10) and (2) retains a portion ofthe “male” notched coupling component 142 within the “female” nutcoupling component 144 to prevent loss of the “male” notched couplingcomponent 142 when in the fishing line insertion position. The nutcoupling component 144 has an interior plunger chamber 144 a and anexterior chamber 144 b with at least a partially threaded interiorsurface 144 c. Retaining structure 144 d (shown as an annular lip) ispositioned substantially between the interior plunger chamber 144 a andthe exterior chamber 144 b. The notched coupling component 142 has ashaft divided into a narrow plunger 142 a and a wider shaft portion 142b with an at least partially threaded exterior surface 142 c. At orsubstantially near the end of the narrow plunger 142 a is stop structure142 d (shown as a flat disk) that interacts with the retaining structure144 d to prevent the end of the narrow plunger 142 a from escaping theinterior plunger chamber 144 a. The notched coupling component 142 alsohas a base 142 e at the end of the shaft opposite the narrow plunger 142a. A notch 142 f is cut in the shaft (e.g. the wider shaft portion 142b) near the base 142 e. It should be noted that one alternative way toconstruct the fifth fishing line accessory system would be to use atwo-piece nut coupling component that is divided along its longitudinalaxis. FIG. 9 shows the fifth fishing line accessory system in thefishing line insertion position in which a spring 146 in the plungerchamber 144 a of the nut coupling component has pushed (using outwardpressure) the plunger 142 a of the notched coupling component 142outward to expose the notch 142 f for easy insertion of the fishing line80. FIG. 10 shows the fifth fishing line accessory system in the fishingline securing position in which the spring 146 in the plunger chamber144 a of the nut coupling component 144 is compressed, the notch 142 fis engaging the fishing line 80, and the shaft of the notched couplingcomponent 142 is rotationally fit (screwed) into the nut couplingcomponent 144. The threaded interior surface and the threaded exteriorsurface are rotatably mated such that, when the surfaces are mated, thenotch 142 f is obstructed and the outward pressure from said spring 146is overcome. In the fishing line securing position, the notch 142 f isobstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” (therebycapturing the fishing line). In use, the fisherman would rotationallyloosen (unscrew or back out) the notched coupling component 142 from thenut coupling component 144. When the threaded exterior surface 142 c ofthe wider shaft portion 142 b is beyond the threaded interior surface144 c of the exterior chamber 144 b (unscrewed), the spring 146 pushesthe plunger 142 a out of the interior plunger chamber 144 a, but thestop structure 142 d interacting with the retaining structure 144 dprevents the end of the narrow plunger 142 a from escaping the interiorplunger chamber 144 a. The fisherman can then insert the fishing line 80into the notch 142 f. By twisting the base 142 e, the fishermanrotationally fits (screws) the notched coupling component 142 into thenut coupling component 144 to secure the fifth fishing line accessorysystem to the fishing line 80.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a sixth fishing line accessory system including afishing accessory 150 having an affixed “female” frame couplingcomponent 154 (housing an optional O-ring 156) and a tethered (viatether 153) “male” cap coupling component 152. As shown, the framecoupling component 154 has a pair of notches 154 a (only one of whichcan be seen in the figures) positioned opposite each other on theannular periphery of the frame coupling component 154. Similarly, asshown, the cap coupling component 152 has a pair of notches 152 a (onlyone of which can be seen in the figures) positioned opposite each otheron the annular periphery of the cap coupling component 152. FIG. 11shows the sixth fishing line accessory system in an open position. Afisherman can open the sixth fishing line accessory system using hisfinger or fingernail to lift the cap coupling component 152 off theframe coupling component 154. An optional tab 158 might be included toassist the fisherman in this opening process. The fisherman then laysthe fishing line 80 across the frame coupling component 154 so that itspans the distance between the notches 154 a. The fisherman then“closes” the system by pressing the cap coupling component 152 into theframe coupling component 154 so that the notches 152 a, 154 a align.FIG. 12 shows this sixth fishing line accessory system secured to afishing line 80, the cap coupling component 152 inserted into the framecoupling component 154. In this mating relationship, the notches 154 aare obstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” (therebycapturing the fishing line). It should be noted that the shown O-ring156 preferably serves a sealing function (to prevent fluids fromentering the fishing accessory 150) and/or a gripping function (to helpgrip the fishing line 80 and prevent unwanted slippage). It should benoted that the shown notches 152 a and/or notches 154 a may be narrowerthan shown so that they are narrow enough to grip the fishing line 80.It should be noted that alternative sixth fishing line accessory systemsmight have a cap coupling component 152 without notches defined therein.It should be noted that alternative sixth fishing line accessory systemsmight have a cap coupling component that is “female” and a framecoupling component that is “male.”

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a seventh fishing line accessory system including afishing accessory 160 having an affixed “female” frame couplingcomponent 164 (housing an O-ring 166) and a tethered (via tether 163)“male” cap coupling component 162. The seventh fishing line accessorysystem is similar to the sixth fishing line accessory system. Onedifference, however, is that the frame coupling component 164 is affixedto the fishing accessory 160 using a bolt or screw 168 (which couldimply a solid fishing accessory 160 that might be made of floatingmaterial such as polystyrene, cork, or foam). Another difference is theshape of the cap coupling component 162. As shown, the frame couplingcomponent 164 has a pair of notches 164 a (only one of which can be seenin the figures) positioned opposite each other on the annular peripheryof the frame coupling component 164. Similarly, as shown, the capcoupling component 162 has a pair of notches 162 a (only one of whichcan be seen in the figures) positioned opposite each other on theannular periphery of the cap coupling component 162. FIG. 13 shows theseventh fishing line accessory system being shown in an open position. Afisherman can open the seventh fishing line accessory system using hisfinger or fingernail to lift the cap coupling component 162 off theframe coupling component 164. The fisherman then lays the fishing line80 across the frame coupling component 164 so that it spans the distancebetween the notches 164 a. The fisherman then “closes” the system bypressing the cap coupling component 162 into the frame couplingcomponent 164 so that the notches 162 a, 164 a align. FIG. 14 shows thisseventh fishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line 80, thecap coupling component 162 inserted into the frame coupling component164. In this mating relationship, the notches 164 a are obstructed toprevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” (thereby capturing thefishing line). It should be noted that the shown O-ring 166 preferablyserves a sealing function and/or a gripping function. It should be notedthat the shown notches 162 a and/or notches 164 a may be narrower thanshown so that they are narrow enough to grip the fishing line 80. Itshould be noted that alternative seventh fishing line accessory systemsmight have a cap coupling component 162 without notches defined therein.It should be noted that alternative seventh fishing line accessorysystems might have a cap coupling component that is “female” and a framecoupling component that is “male.”

Fishing line accessory systems described herein (e.g. those in FIGS.15-19) as including pairs of attracting attachable magnets (e.g. theeighth fishing line accessory system of FIGS. 15 and 16, the ninthfishing line accessory system of FIGS. 17 and 18, and the tenth fishingline accessory system of FIG. 19) may have alternative attachable and/orattractable pairs of devices including, but not limited to, a magnet andan attracting metal element (e.g. magnetic metals such as iron, nickel,cobalt, certain steels and other alloys), hook and loop fabric (i.e.VELCRO®), or any other pair of devices that can be attached and/orattracted to each other in a secure fashion and can be used under water.It should also be noted that a single connecting device (e.g. a clamp,groove, or elevated seat) can be used with a device that doesn't haveany particular connecting properties (e.g. a blown up balloon). FIGS.15-19 use magnets for attachment purposes. In FIGS. 15-18 they alsoserve as a primary source of weight. Preferred magnets have an extremelystrong attachment to each other. Exemplary magnets suitable for thispurpose include, but are not limited to, Neodymium rare earth magnetspurchased from CMS Magnetics, Inc. of Plano Tex. (e.g. ND025-42EM).FIGS. 15-19 also show the magnets as being embedded in the couplingcomponent. Alternatively the magnets can be otherwise connected orconnectable to the coupling components and/or fishing accessories. Itshould be noted that these specific magnets are disclosed for purposesof enablement and best mode, but are not meant to be limiting as manyappropriately sized and shaped pair of magnets (or other attractableand/or attachable devices) would suffice.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show an eighth fishing line accessory system including a“male” forked coupling component 202 and a “female” nut couplingcomponent 204. The “male” forked coupling component 202 has a base 202 aand a shaft 202 b. The base 202 a has a magnet 206 within it (e.g. anembedded magnet 206). The shaft 202 b has an at least partially threadedexterior surface 202 c. The shaft 202 b is forked to have two tines 202b′, 202 b′ separated by a gap 202 d into which a fishing line 80 may beinserted. The “female” nut coupling component 204 has an at leastpartially threaded interior surface 204 a. Attachable fishingaccessories 200 (shown as magnet weights) may be attached to or detachedfrom the embedded magnet 206. FIG. 16 shows the eighth fishing lineaccessory system secured to a fishing line 80, the nut couplingcomponent 204 rotationally fit (screwed) onto the forked couplingcomponent 202 (after the fishing line 80 has been inserted into the gap)to secure the eighth fishing line accessory system secured to a fishingline 80. In this mating relationship, the gap 202 d is obstructed toprevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” (thereby capturing thefishing line). In one preferred eighth fishing line accessory system,the interior surfaces of the nut coupling component 204 are slightlysmaller than the exterior surface of the shaft 202 b and the tines 202b′, 202 b′ of the shaft 202 b are at least slightly resilient. When thenut coupling component 204 is on the shaft 202 b, the tines 202 b′, 202b′ of the shaft 202 b are compressed slightly together to grip thefishing line 80 secured therebetween. As with other fishing lineaccessory systems having a rotational relationship between two threadedcoupling components 202, 204, the relationship (an adjustably securerelationship) between the two components 202, 204 can be separated (andbrought together) partially and gradually. This allows a user togradually back the “male” coupling component 202 out (unscrew) of the“female” coupling component 204 so that the fishing line 80 has room tobe pulled through the gap and, thereby, the position of the fishing lineaccessory system may be adjusted in relation to the fishing line 80. Theattachable fishing accessories 200 are attachable to the embedded magnet206 (as shown in FIG. 16). This allows a fisherman to have precisely theamount of weight he requires (based on, for example, water depth, waterspeed, and/or other factors that would dictate how heavy a weight shouldbe used) for his particular situation because he can readily attach anddetach individual fishing accessories 200. It should be noted that thefishing accessories 200 can be attached to and detached from theembedded magnet 206 before or after the fishing line accessory system issecured to a fishing line 80.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a ninth fishing line accessory system that issimilar to the eighth fishing line accessory system except that the“male” and “female” components have been reversed. More specifically,the ninth fishing line accessory system includes a “male” forkedcoupling component 212 and a “female” nut coupling component 214. The“male” forked coupling component 212 has a base 212 a and a shaft 212 bwith an at least partially threaded exterior surface 212 c. The shaft212 b is forked to have two tines 212 b′, 212 b′ separated by a gap 212d into which a fishing line 80 may be inserted. The “female” nutcoupling component 214 has an at least partially threaded interiorsurface 214 a and an embedded magnet 216. Attachable fishing accessories210 (shown as magnet weights) may be attached to or detached from theembedded magnet 216. FIG. 18 shows the ninth fishing line accessorysystem secured to a fishing line 80, the nut coupling component 214rotationally fit (screwed) onto the forked coupling component 212 (afterthe fishing line 80 has been inserted into the gap) to secure the ninthfishing line accessory system secured to a fishing line 80. In thismating relationship, the gap 212 d is obstructed to prevent the fishingline 80 from “escaping” (thereby capturing the fishing line). In onepreferred ninth fishing line accessory system, the interior surfaces ofthe nut coupling component 214 are slightly smaller than the exteriorsurface of the shaft 212 b and the tines 212 b′, 212 b′ of the shaft 212b are at least slightly resilient. When the nut coupling component 214is on the shaft 212 b, the tines 212 b′, 212 b′ of the shaft 212 b arecompressed slightly together to grip the fishing line 80 securedtherebetween. As with other fishing line accessory systems having arotational relationship between two threaded coupling components 212,214, the relationship (an adjustably secure relationship) between thetwo components 212, 214 can be separated (and brought together)partially and gradually. This allows a user to gradually back the “male”coupling component 212 out (unscrew) of the “female” coupling component214 so that the fishing line 80 has room to be pulled through the gapand, thereby, the position of the fishing line accessory system may beadjusted in relation to the fishing line 80. The attachable fishingaccessories 210 are attachable to the embedded magnet 216 (as shown inFIG. 18). This allows a fisherman to have precisely the amount of weighthe requires (based on, for example, water depth, water speed, and/orother factors that would dictate how heavy a weight should be used) forhis particular situation because he can readily attach and detachindividual fishing accessories 210. It should be noted that the fishingaccessories 210 can be attached to and detached from the embedded magnet216 before or after the fishing line accessory system is secured to afishing line 80.

FIG. 19 shows a tenth fishing line accessory system including a “male”forked coupling component 222 and a “female” nut coupling component 224.The “male” forked coupling component 222 has a shaft 222 a (with twotines 222 a′, 222 a′ separated by a gap 222 b) with an at leastpartially threaded exterior surface 222 c. The “female” nut couplingcomponent 224 has an at least partially threaded interior surface (notshown) and an embedded magnet 226. Alternatively, like the eighthembodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the “male” forked couplingcomponent can have a magnet embedded in its base. FIG. 19 is included toshow the attachable fishing accessory 220. In this figure, the fishingaccessory 220 is a float with an affixed magnet 220 a. The magnet 220 ais then attached to the embedded magnet 226.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an eleventh fishing line accessory system includinga “male” forked coupling component 232 and a “female” nut couplingcomponent 234. The “male” forked coupling component 232 has a base 232 aand a shaft 232 b with an at least partially threaded exterior surface232 c. The shaft 232 b is forked to have two tines 232 b′, 232 b′ (thatare preferably at least slightly resilient) separated by a gap 232 dinto which a fishing line 80 may be inserted. The “female” nut couplingcomponent 234 has an at least partially threaded interior surface 234 a.The eleventh fishing line accessory system includes an attachablefishing accessory 230 (shown as a solid cylinder with an embedded weight230 a and an at least partially threaded cavity 230 b). Multiple fishingaccessories 230 of differing weights could be provided to allow a userto select an appropriate weight. In use, the user would insert thefishing line 80 into the gap between the two tines 232 b′, 232 b′ of theshaft 232 b. Then the nut coupling component 234 may be rotationally fit(screwed) onto the shaft 232 b of the forked coupling component 232.This secures the two coupling components 232, 234 to the fishing line80. Because of the rotational relationship between two threaded couplingcomponents 232, 234, the components can be separated (and broughttogether) partially and gradually by rotating (screwing and unscrewing)to allow repositioning in relation to the fishing line 80. Because theshaft 232 b is longer than the depth of the nut coupling component 234,when the coupling components 232, 234 are fully brought together(screwed together), the ends of the tines 232 b′, 232 b′ of the shaft232 b extend beyond the nut coupling component 234. Once the couplingcomponents 232, 234 are in the proper position in relation to thefishing line 80, an attachable fishing accessory 230 can be selected androtationally fit to the protruding ends of the tines 232 b′, 232 b′ ofthe shaft 232 b. FIG. 21 shows the eleventh fishing line accessorysystem secured to a fishing line 80. In this mating relationship, thegap 232 d is obstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping”(thereby capturing the fishing line).

The twelfth fishing line accessory system shown in FIG. 22 is similar tothe eleventh fishing line accessory system shown in FIGS. 20 and 21except that the twelfth fishing line accessory system eliminates the“female” nut coupling component. The twelfth fishing line accessorysystem includes a “male” forked coupling component 242 and a combined“female” nut coupling component and fishing accessory (referred tojointly as the “fishing accessory coupling component 246”). The “male”forked coupling component 242 has a base 242 a and a shaft 242 b with anat least partially threaded exterior surface 242 c. The shaft 242 b isforked to have two tines 242 b′, 242 b′ (that are preferably at leastslightly resilient) separated by a gap 242 d into which a fishing line80 may be inserted. The fishing accessory coupling component 246 has anat least partially threaded interior cavity 246 a and an embedded weight246 b. Multiple fishing accessory coupling components 246 of differingweights could be provided to allow a user to select an appropriateweight. In use, the user would insert the fishing line 80 into the gapbetween the two tines 242 b′, 242 b′ of the shaft 242 b. Then thefishing accessory coupling component 246 may be rotationally fit(screwed) onto the shaft 242 b of the forked coupling component 242.This secures the two coupling components 242, 246 to the fishing line80. In the mating relationship (not shown), the gap 242 d would beobstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” (therebycapturing the fishing line). Because of the rotational relationshipbetween two threaded coupling components 242, 246, the relationshipbetween the two components can be separated (and brought together)partially and gradually by rotating (screwing and unscrewing) to allowrepositioning in relation to the fishing line 80.

FIGS. 23-31 all show fishing line accessory systems that include anattachable fishing accessory that is inflatable and has an internalvalve. The attachable fishing accessory is preferably a balloon,although it may be reinforced or have a custom shape. A preferredexemplary internal valve is a one way valve through which air can beforced in a single direction, but the air cannot flow in an oppositedirection (and thereby prevent escape or leakage of the air). Exemplaryvalves include those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,925,U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,551, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0288373the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. Onevalve that is commercially available is VA3562 VERNAY® Duckbill CheckValve (Vernay Laboratories, Inc., Yellow Springs, Ohio) and has the partnumber VL 1742-102 and silicone number VL1001M11. It should be notedthat these specific valves are disclosed for purposes of enablement andbest mode, but are not meant to be limiting as many appropriately sizedand shaped one-way valve designed to handle high flow and low leakagewould suffice.

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show a thirteenth fishing line accessory systemincluding a “male” forked coupling component 302, a “female” nutcoupling component 304, and an optional O-ring 305. The “male” forkedcoupling component 302 is a substantially cylindrical body 302 a havinga substantially longitudinal air path 302 b defined therein. An internalvalve 308 is positioned within (which is functionally positioned so asto control) the longitudinal air path 302 b. The upper portion of thecylindrical body 302 a has a fishing accessory attachment structure(shown as an annular indentation 302 c on the exterior surface of theupper portion of the cylindrical body 302). The lower portion of thecylindrical body 302 a is or includes a shaft 302 d that has an exteriorsurface that is at least partially threaded 302 e. The shaft 302 d ofthe “male” forked coupling component 302 preferably has two tinesseparated by a gap (which may be part of air path 302 b) into which afishing line 80 may be inserted (as shown) or the shaft 302 d may have anotch (not shown) defined in its exterior surface gap into which afishing line 80 may be inserted. (Alternatively, the thirteenth fishingline accessory system could have a notched shaft.) The “female” nutcoupling component 304 preferably has an at least partially threadedinterior surface 304 a. In FIG. 23, the attachable fishing accessory 300is shown as a deflated balloon that is attached to the fishing accessoryattachment structure 302 c of the forked coupling component 302. Priorto attaching the thirteenth fishing line accessory system to the fishingline 80, air is forced into the longitudinal air path 302 b (e.g. by afisherman blowing into it), through the valve 308, and into theattachable fishing accessory 300 causing the attachable fishingaccessory 300 to inflate. Because valve 308 is a one-way valve, aircannot escape back through the longitudinal air path 302 b. FIG. 24shows the thirteenth fishing line accessory system with the fishing lineaccessory 300 in an at least partially inflated state. Once the fishingline accessory 300 has been inflated, the fishing line 80 may beinserted into the gap between the tines of the shaft 302 d (or into anotch defined in the shaft). FIG. 25 shows the thirteenth fishing lineaccessory system with the fishing line accessory 300 in its at leastpartially inflated state secured to a fishing line 80, the nut couplingcomponent 304 rotationally fit (screwed) onto the forked couplingcomponent 302. In this mating relationship, the gap (which may be partof air path 302 b) is obstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from“escaping” (thereby capturing the fishing line). The described methodsof use, properties, and advantages associated with components that arerotationally fit (screwed) together also apply to this system.

FIGS. 26, 27, 28, and 29 show a fourteenth fishing line accessorysystem. One significant difference between the fourteenth fishing lineaccessory system and the thirteenth fishing line accessory system is thereversal of the “male” and “female” coupling components. The shownfourteenth fishing line accessory system includes a “male” forkedcoupling component 312, a “female” nut coupling component 314 (shown ashousing 314 a and insert cover 314 b), and an optional O-ring 315. The“female” nut coupling component 314 has a substantially longitudinal airpath 314 c defined therein. An internal valve 318 is positioned withinthe longitudinal air path 314 c and, as shown, within an internal valvechamber created by the upper section of the housing 314 a and insertcover 314 b. The housing 314 a can be thought of as being divided intoan upper section 314 d (which has the valve chamber described above) anda lower section 314 e. The lower section 314 e has a narrow passage thatforms part of the longitudinal air path 314 c. The shown narrow passagein the lower section has an at least partially threaded interior surface314 f. Substantially near the intersection of the upper and lowersections 314 d, 314 e of the housing 314 a is fishing accessoryattachment structure (shown as an annular indentation 314 g on theexterior surface of the upper section 314 d of the nut couplingcomponent 314). The “male” forked coupling component 312 has a base 312a and a shaft 312 b that has an exterior surface that is at leastpartially threaded 312 c. The shaft 312 b of the “male” forked couplingcomponent 312 preferably has two tines 312 b, 312 b separated by a gap312 c into which a fishing line 80 may be inserted (as shown in FIGS. 28and 29) or the shaft 312 b may have a notch (defined in its exteriorsurface) into which a fishing line 80 may be inserted. (Alternatively,the fourteenth fishing line accessory system could have a notchedshaft.) In FIG. 27, the attachable fishing accessory 310 is shown as adeflated balloon that is attached to the fishing accessory attachmentstructure 314 g of the nut coupling component 314. Prior to attachingthe fourteenth fishing line accessory system to the fishing line 80, airis forced into the longitudinal air path 314 c (e.g. by a fishermanblowing into it), through the valve 318, and into the attachable fishingaccessory 310 causing the attachable fishing accessory 310 to inflate.Because valve 318 is a one-way valve, air cannot escape back through thelongitudinal air path 314 c. FIG. 28 shows the fourteenth fishing lineaccessory system with the fishing line accessory 310 in an at leastpartially inflated state and the fishing line 80 inserted into the gapbetween the tines of the shaft 312 b (or into a notch defined in theshaft) of the forked coupling component 312. The fisherman thenrotationally fits (screws) the nut coupling component 314 onto theforked coupling component 312. FIG. 29 shows the fourteenth fishing lineaccessory system with the fishing line accessory 310 in its at leastpartially inflated state secured to the fishing line 80, the nutcoupling component 314 and the forked coupling component 312 beingrotationally fit (screwed) together. In this mating relationship, thegap 312 c is obstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping”(thereby capturing the fishing line). The described methods of use,properties, and advantages associated with components that arerotationally fit (screwed) together also apply to this system.

FIG. 30 shows a fifteenth fishing line accessory system that is similarto the fourteenth fishing line accessory system except for the type andplacement of the fishing accessory attachment structure 326. Thefifteenth fishing line accessory system has an attachable fishing lineaccessory 320 (shown as an inflated balloon), a “male” forked couplingcomponent 322, a “female” nut coupling component 324, and an optionalO-ring 325. The nut coupling component 324 can be thought of as beingdivided into an upper section 324 a (which has a valve therein) and alower section 324 b. In the shown fifteenth fishing line accessorysystem, the exterior of the lower section 324 b of the nut couplingcomponent 324 has fishing accessory attachment structure (shown as twospaced protruding annular ridges on the exterior surface of the lowersection 324 b). The reinforced mouth of the fishing accessory 320 isattached to the fishing accessory attachment structure 326 by beingpositioned between the two annular ridges thereof. The fifteenth fishingline accessory system is secured to the fishing line 80 in a matingrelationship so that the gap (defined between the tines of nut couplingcomponent 324) is obstructed to prevent the fishing line 80 from“escaping” (thereby capturing the fishing line).

FIG. 31 shows a sixteenth fishing line accessory system that is similarto the fourteenth and fifteenth fishing line accessory systems exceptfor the type and placement of the fishing accessory attachment structure336. The sixteenth fishing line accessory system has an attachablefishing line accessory 330 (shown as an inflated balloon), a “male”forked coupling component 332, a “female” nut coupling component 334,and an optional O-ring 335. The nut coupling component 334 can bethought of as being divided into an upper section 334 a (which has avalve therein) and a lower section 334 b. In the shown sixteenth fishingline accessory system, the exterior of the upper section 334 a of thenut coupling component 334 has fishing accessory attachment structure(shown as single protruding annular ridge that is angled downward on theexterior surface of the upper section 334 a). The reinforced mouth ofthe fishing accessory 330 is attached to the fishing accessoryattachment structure 336 by being positioned below the angled annularridge. The sixteenth fishing line accessory system is secured to thefishing line 80 in a mating relationship so that the gap (definedbetween the tines of nut coupling component 324) is obstructed toprevent the fishing line 80 from “escaping” (thereby capturing thefishing line).

As set forth in the Background, U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,781 to Bigelow andU.S. Pat. No. 5,651,210 to Moore both disclose floats that include aballoon and a valve. The known systems are complicated and expensive toproduce, but the specific valving is necessary for their intendedpurposes. The apparatuses and methods disclosed in these references forattaching the fishing line to the floats is either complicated and/orproblematic. The fishing line accessory systems described herein includevalves that are significantly less complicated. Further, the apparatusesand methods for connecting fishing line accessory systems to a fishingline, as described herein, are less complicated than those disclosed inthe Bigelow and Moore references. Finally, the apparatuses and methodsfor connecting fishing line accessory systems to a fishing line, asdescribed herein, eliminate the problems associated with the apparatusesand methods disclosed in the Bigelow and Moore references.

FIGS. 32-83 show fishing line accessory systems with several uniquefeatures that may be used alone or in combination.

A first unique feature shown in some of the fishing line accessorysystems of FIGS. 32-83 is an air-lock float or bobber (shown anddescribed as an air-lock bobber 400, 402, 404, 406, 408) with a cavity401 or a channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412 (“channel” 412 is describedfurther below) defined therein. An air-lock bobber may be an air-filled,hollow three-dimensional geometric figure (shown as a sphere, but otherthree-dimensional figures are contemplated including, but not limitedto, cubes, prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and cones, as well as irregularshapes and shapes designed to look like known objects (e.g. fish, eggs,star, tear drops, teddy bears, flowers)). The cavity 401 or channel 403may have a cross-section that is square-shaped (such as channel 405 inFIGS. 54 and 55), circular-shaped (such as channel 407 in FIGS. 61 and62), triangle-shaped (such as channel 409 in FIGS. 69 and 70), or adifferent two-dimensional regular or irregular geometric figure. Thechannel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412 can be visualized as a conduit betweentwo “openings” in the surface of the air-lock bobber 400, 402, 404, 406,408. Most likely the air-lock bobber 400, 402, 404, 406, 408 would bemade from materials including, but not limited to, soft plastic, foams(such s extruded polystyrene foams such as STYROFOAM®), cork, wood, hardplastic, yarn, or virtually any known or yet to be discovered materialthat floats. Most likely the air-lock bobber 400, 402, 404, 406, 408would be made using a blow molding process (for example, the processesdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,893,908 to Treece et al. or U.S. Pat. No.8,877,117 to Fields et al.). Preferably the channel 403, 405, 407, 409,412 is integral with the 400, 402, 404, 406, 408. Solid floats andbobbers (made from floatable materials) with cavities and channelsdefined therein could be used.

A second unique feature shown in some of the fishing line accessorysystems of FIGS. 32-83 is a post coupling component 420, 422, 424, 426,428. A variation is a shaft coupling component 430 (that will bediscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 71-83). Each post coupling component420, 422, 424, 426, 428 has a base section 420 a, 422 a, 424 a, 426 a,428 a, a shaft section 420 b, 422 b, 424 b, 426 b, 428 b, and aninsertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c. The base sections420 a, 422 a, 424 a, 426 a, 428 a are similar to the bases described inother embodiments (e.g. base 102 a, base 112 a, base 122 a) except thatthey are not used specifically for adhering to the fishing lineaccessory and may, instead, be used for limiting the depth that aninsertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c may be inserted intothe cavity 401 or a channel 403, 405, 407, 409. The shown shape andthickness of the base sections 420 a, 422 a, 424 a, 426 a, 428 a aremeant to be exemplary. The shaft sections 420 b, 422 b, 424 b, 426 b,428 b are similar to the shafts described in other embodiments (e.g.shaft 102 b, shaft 112 b, shaft 122 b) including being forked to havetwo tines separated by a gap. The shown shape and thickness of the shaftsections 420 b, 422 b, 424 b, 426 b, 428 b and tines are meant to beexemplary. The insertion sections 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c aredesigned to be inserted into the cavity 401 or channel 403, 405, 407,409, 412 of an air-lock bobber 400, 402, 404, 406, 408. Thecross-section of the insertion sections 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428c, therefore, would at least substantially mate with the cavity 401 orchannel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412. So, if the cavity 401 or channel 403had a square cross-section (e.g. FIGS. 54-55), the post couplingcomponent 420, 422, 424, 426, 428 would have an insertion section 420 c,422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c that had a square cross-section (e.g. FIGS.49-53). Similarly, if the cavity 401 or channel 403 had a circularcross-section (e.g. FIGS. 61-62), the post coupling component 420, 422,424, 426, 428 would have an insertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426c, 428 c that had a circular cross-section (e.g. FIGS. 56-60). Alsosimilarly, if the cavity 401 or channel 403 had a triangularcross-section (e.g. FIGS. 69-70), the post coupling component 420, 422,424, 426, 428 would have an insertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426c, 428 c that had a triangular cross-section (e.g. FIGS. 63-68). If analternative cavity or channel had a different shaped cross-section, therespective insertion section would have the appropriate matingcross-section. An advantage of a circular cross-section of an insertionsection 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c is that it does not need to beoriented before insertion. An advantage of a non-regular cross-section(e.g. a triangle or square cross-section) of an insertion section 420 c,422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c is that it is less likely to rotate afterinsertion. Regardless of the cross-section of the insertion section 420c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c, the insertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424c, 426 c, 428 c may have grooves, bumps, or other texturing to help theinsertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c stay within thecavity 401 or a channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412. The grooves, bumps, ortexturing may also be helpful if adhesive (e.g. glue) is used to furthersecure the insertion section 420 c, 422 c, 424 c, 426 c, 428 c withinthe cavity 401 or a channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412. Most likely postcoupling component 420, 422, 424, 426, 428 would be made from materialsincluding, but not limited to, hard plastic, rubber, synthetic polymers(e.g. nylon), thermoplastic polymer (e.g. acrylonitrile butadienestyrene), or any other material known or yet to be discovered materialthat is relatively light weight and will not dissolve in water(including salt water). Most likely the post coupling component 420,422, 424, 426, 428 would be made using an injection molding process.

A third unique feature shown in some of the fishing line accessorysystems of FIGS. 32-83 is the use of a glow stick 454, 464 that may beinserted into a channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412 (and also the glow stickchannel 432 which will be discussed with the other channels as well asindividually below) of an air-lock float or bobber (shown and describedas an air-lock bobber 402, 404, 406, 408, 410). The eighteenth fishingline accessory system is shown as including a glow stick 454 that may beinserted into the channel 403 opposite from the post coupling component422. Put another way, the channel 403 has a first end and a second end,the post coupling component 422 may be inserted into the first end andthe glow stick 454 may be inserted into the second end. The glow stick454, 464 is also preferably removable. Preferably the glow stick 454,464 is easily removable and no tools are needed to remove it. Forexample, the glow stick 454, 464 may be held within the channel 403,405, 407, 409, 412, 432 using friction. This may be accomplished using aglow stick 454, 464 that has a diameter that is slightly larger (e.g.4.5 mm) than the smallest diameter of the channel into which it isinserted. The cross-section of the glow stick 454, 464 does not have tobe the same as the cross-section of the channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412,432. For example, the eighteenth fishing line accessory system shown inFIGS. 40-48 has a channel 403 with a square cross-section and the glowstick 454 has a circular cross-section. Instead of using a frictionsecuring mechanism, the glow stick 454, 464 may be screwed into thechannel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412, 432 (the exterior surface of the glowstick 454, 464 having threading that mated with threading on theinterior surface of the channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412, 432). Therealso may additional structure that alternatively or further secures theglow stick 454, 464 within the channel 403, 405, 407, 409, 412, 432 thatis used alone or in combination with other specified securing mechanisms(e.g. friction or screwing).

The seventeenth fishing line accessory system of FIGS. 32-39, theeighteenth fishing line accessory system of FIGS. 40-48, and thenineteenth fishing line accessory system of FIGS. 71-83, are examples offishing line accessory systems that incorporate some or all of theunique features described above. These examples are not meant to limitthe scope of the invention as variations are possible (e.g. thecross-sections of the component may be different).

FIGS. 32-39 show a preferred exemplary seventeenth fishing lineaccessory system. This system may include an air-lock bobber 400 with acavity 401 and a post coupling component 420. The post couplingcomponent 420 (and specifically the insertion section 420 c thereof) maybe inserted (and possibly adhered using an adhesive) into the cavity401. The shown air-lock bobber 400 may be a spherical one-half inchair-lock bobber. This seventeenth fishing line accessory systemfunctions much like the second fishing line accessory system shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 in that it has a “male” forked coupling component (shownas shaft section 420 b which is divided into two tines) and a “female”nut coupling component 440. As shown, the “male” forked couplingcomponent has an at least partially threaded exterior surface. The shaftsection 420 b is forked to have two tines separated by a gap into whicha fishing line may be inserted. An optional O-ring 442 helps both in thegripping of the fishing line and sealing. The base section 420 a, shaftsection 420 b, coupling component 440, and optional O-ring 442 of theseventeenth fishing line accessory system function substantiallysimilarly to and have similar advantages as the structures of the secondfishing line accessory system and the description related to the secondfishing line accessory system is incorporated here.

FIGS. 40-48 show a preferred exemplary eighteenth fishing line accessorysystem. This system may include an air-lock bobber 402 with a channel403 and a post coupling component 422. The shown air-lock bobber 402 maybe a spherical one and one-quarter inch air-lock bobber. The eighteenthfishing line accessory system is shown is including a glow stick 454that may be inserted into the channel 403 opposite from the postcoupling component 422. Put another way, the channel 403 has a first endand a second end, the post coupling component 422 may be inserted (andpossibly adhered using an adhesive) into the first end and the glowstick 454 may be inserted into the second end. The glow stick 454 isalso preferably removable. This eighteenth fishing line accessory systemfunctions much like the second fishing line accessory system shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 in that it has a “male” forked coupling component (shownas shaft section 422 b which is divided into two tines) and a “female”nut coupling component 450. As shown, the “male” forked couplingcomponent has an at least partially threaded exterior surface. The shaftsection 422 b is forked to have two tines separated by a gap into whicha fishing line may be inserted. An optional O-ring 452 helps both in thegripping of the fishing line and sealing. The base section 422 a, shaftsection 422 b, coupling component 450, and optional O-ring 452 of theeighteenth fishing line accessory system function substantiallysimilarly to and have similar advantages as the structures of the secondfishing line accessory system and the description related to the secondfishing line accessory system is incorporated here.

FIGS. 71-83 show a preferred exemplary nineteenth fishing line accessorysystem. This system may include a bobber 410 with a channel 412 and aspanning coupling component 430. The shown bobber 410 may be an air-lockbobber or it may be a standard bobber. The shown bobber 410 may be aspherical one and one-quarter inch bobber. If the bobber 410 is anair-lock bobber, the channel 412 would be constructed in a mannersimilar to the channels 403, 405, 407, 409, 412 described herein. On theother hand, if the bobber 410 is a standard bobber, the “channel” maysimply be the distance (without any surface) between two real openings412 a, 412 b defined in the surface of the sphere. The spanning couplingcomponent 430 spans the distance of the channel 412. As shown in FIG.73, the shown exemplary spanning coupling component 430 has threesections: a central spanning section 430 a, a shaft section 430 b (thatis forked to have two tines divided by a gap) that is at one end of thecentral spanning section 430 a, and an access section 430 c (that isopen to receive a glow stick 464) that is at the opposite end of thecentral spanning section 430 a. A glow stick channel 432 is defined inthe spanning coupling component 430 from the access section 430 c and atleast partially through the central spanning section 430 a. As shown inFIGS. 71 and 72, the nineteenth fishing line accessory system alsoincludes an annular securing cap 460, a first optional O-ring 461, afirst nut 462 a, a second optional O-ring 463, and a second nut 462 b.One way to construct the nineteenth fishing line accessory systemincludes the steps of (1) inserting the first optional O-ring 461 intothe annular securing cap 460, (2) the spanning coupling component 430 isinserted through a first real opening 412 a and partially through thesecond real opening 412 b so that the shaft section 430 b protrudes fromthe second real opening 412 b, (3) the annular securing cap 460 isinserted partially into the first real opening 412 a and over the accesssection 430 c to secure the spanning coupling component 430 within thebobber 410, but without obstructing access to the glow stick channel432, and (4) the protruding shaft section 430 b then is inserted throughthe opening of the second nut 462 b, the second nut 462 b securing theprotruding shaft section 430 b. Please note that the order of thesesteps may be varied (e.g. step (1) could be performed after step (2),and step (3) could be performed after step (4)). In this configuration,the first nut 462 a serves a dual purpose and functions as the baseshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protruding shaft section 430 b functionslike the “male” forked coupling component shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, andthe second nut 462 b functions like the “female” nut coupling componentshown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The base-like first nut 462 a, protruding shaftsection 430 b, second nut 462 b, and the second optional O-ring 463 ofthe nineteenth fishing line accessory system function substantiallysimilarly to and have similar advantages as the structures of the secondfishing line accessory system and the description related to the secondfishing line accessory system is incorporated here.

ADDITIONAL VARIATIONS

Preferred exemplary materials from which the coupling components may beconstructed include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon,non-corrosive metals, and other solid materials that can be submerged.The O-rings may be constructed from preferred exemplary materials suchas rubber, neoprene, silicone, and other compressible materials that canbe submerged. As set forth above, the body of the fishing accessoriessuch as floats or bobbers may be made of any floating materialincluding, but not limited to, rubber or latex (e.g. a balloon), plastic(e.g. a hollow plastic shape), polystyrene (e.g. STYROFOAM®), cork,foam, yarn, neoprene, silicone, or any other floating material. As setforth above, the body of the fishing accessories such as weights may beor may include any heavy material including, but not limited to,magnets, metal (e.g. lead), sand, or any material that would sink inwater.

Although the shown gaps (in the shafts) are straight, the gaps may havebends, zig-zags, or enlarged openings near the base. Although the shownbases have a smooth face surface (on the face of the base facing theshaft), the base face surface may have additional features such astexturing (e.g. ridges, grooves, threading, ribs, or bumps) or a singlegroove. For example, an alternative fishing line accessory systemincluding a fishing accessory, an affixed “male” forked couplingcomponent, and a “female” nut coupling component might have a “male”forked coupling component with a base and a shaft (which is connected atone end to the base and forked to have two tines separated by a gap)with an at least partially threaded exterior surface. One surface of thebase is affixed to the fishing accessory and the opposite surface hasthe shaft that is affixed (including integral) thereto. In this example,the shaft surface of the base has a base groove that extends along thediameter through the gap in the shaft. In addition, substantially at oradjacent to where the shaft meets the base, is an enlarged openingthrough the shaft. “Male” forked coupling components having either orboth the base groove or the enlarged shaft opening would allow a fishingline to slide if no O-ring is used, but be held in place if the O-ringis used. Alternatively, the forked coupling components can be alteredwith a notch on the threads that would make it tighten at a shortdistance from the base, holding the nut coupling component at a positionshort of the base. This would allow space enough for the fishingaccessory to slide on the fishing line, but tightening with greatereffort would accomplish bringing the nut coupling component tightlyagainst the base, fixing the fishing accessory on the fishing line.

Appropriate gripping, ridged, knurled, or otherwise textured surfacesmay be used to facilitate easy gripping by a user. The shown texturedsurfaces are meant to be exemplary and are not to be consideredlimiting. Similarly, surfaces that are not shown as being textured maybe textured for purposes such as facilitating easy gripping by a user.Appropriate tabs and/or indents may be added to coupling components asneeded for the purpose of providing a place for a user to insert afingernail. FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, show an optional tab 158 forthis purpose.

Although the preferred embodiments are shown as complete products, theycan be distributed and sold as kits. More specifically, the couplingcomponents (and other components such as O-rings and magnets) can besold separately so that the user can affix the appropriate couplingcomponents to a fishing accessory of their choice. For example, thecoupling components and O-ring of the second fishing line accessorysystem (FIGS. 3 and 4) could be provided to a user who affixes one ofthe coupling components to his own fishing accessory. Another example isthat, the coupling components and magnet of the tenth fishing lineaccessory system (FIG. 19) could be provided to a user who affixes oneof the magnets to his own fishing accessory. Yet another example is thatthe balloon fishing accessories shown in the thirteenth, fourteenth,fifteenth, and sixteenth fishing line accessory systems that could beuser provided.

The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoingspecification are used as terms of description and not of limitation,and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown anddescribed. While the above is a complete description of selectedembodiments of the present invention, it is possible to practice theinvention using various alternatives, modifications, adaptations,variations, and/or combinations and their equivalents. It will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangementthat is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiment shown. It is also to be understood that thefollowing claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specificfeatures of the invention herein described and all statements of thescope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said tofall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fishing line accessory system for securing fishing accessories to a fishing line, said system comprising: (a) a primary threaded coupling component; (b) a secondary threaded coupling component; (c) at least one of said threaded coupling components having a gap defined therein; (d) one of said threaded coupling components having a first magnet; (e) at least one fishing accessory including a second magnet, said second magnet attractable to said first magnet; and (f) said secondary threaded coupling component being rotatably matable with said primary threaded coupling component, said gap being obstructed when said threaded coupling components are in a mating relationship; (g) wherein a fishing line captured by said threaded coupling components in an adjustably secure relationship can be adjusted without completely disengaging the threaded coupling components.
 2. The system of claim 1, said primary threaded coupling component being a male coupling component having said gap defined therein and an at least partially threaded exterior surface, said secondary threaded coupling component being a female coupling component having an at least partially threaded interior surface.
 3. The system of claim 1, said primary threaded coupling component being a male coupling component having said gap defined therein and an exterior threaded surface, said secondary threaded coupling component being a female coupling component having an interior threaded surface, said first magnet embedded within said male coupling component.
 4. The system of claim 1, said primary threaded coupling component being a male coupling component having said gap defined therein and an exterior threaded surface, said secondary threaded coupling component being a female coupling component having an interior threaded surface, said first magnet embedded within said female coupling component.
 5. The system of claim 1, said at least one fishing accessory being said second magnet, said second magnet attractable to said first magnet.
 6. The system of claim 1, said at least one fishing accessory being said second magnet, said second magnet attractable to said first magnet, said system further comprising at least one additional magnet, said at least one additional magnet attractable to said second magnet.
 7. The system of claim 1, said at least one fishing accessory including said second magnet being a float with said second magnet affixed thereto.
 8. The system of claim 1, at least one of said threaded coupling components being a male coupling component having said gap defined therein, said at least one threaded coupling component comprising: (a) a base; and (b) a shaft connected at one end thereof to said base, said shaft forked to have two tines separated by said gap.
 9. A fishing line accessory system for securing fishing accessories to a fishing line, said system comprising: (a) a primary coupling component, said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a shaft, said primary coupling component having an at least partially threaded exterior surface; (b) a secondary coupling component, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component surrounding said shaft, said secondary coupling component coupleable with said primary coupling component, said secondary coupling component having an at least partially threaded interior surface, wherein when said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component are coupled they are coupled coupling components; (c) one of said coupling components having a first magnet embedded therein; and (d) at least one fishing accessory having a second magnet, said second magnet attachable to and detachable from said first magnet, said at least one fishing accessory being magnetically attachable to said coupled coupling components; (e) said coupled coupling components being secured to said fishing line when said fishing line is secured between said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component.
 10. The system of claim 9, said at least one fishing accessory being said second magnet, said second magnet attractable to said first magnet, said system further comprising at least one additional magnet, said at least one additional magnet attractable to said second magnet.
 11. The system of claim 9, said at least one fishing accessory including said second magnet being a float with said second magnet affixed thereto.
 12. The system of claim 9, said coupled coupling components capturing said fishing line when said fishing line is secured between said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component.
 13. The system of claim 9, said coupled coupling components capturing said fishing line to prevent said fishing line from escaping or slipping out when said fishing line is secured between said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein said fishing line is captured by said coupled coupling components in an adjustably secure relationship that can be adjusted without completely disengaging said coupled coupling components.
 15. A fishing line accessory system for securing fishing accessories to a fishing line, said system comprising: (a) a primary coupling component; (b) a secondary coupling component coupleable with said primary coupling component, wherein when said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component are coupled they are coupled coupling components; (c) one of said coupling components having a first magnet; and (d) at least one fishing accessory including a second magnet, said second magnet attachable to and detachable from said first magnet, said at least one fishing accessory being magnetically attachable to said coupled coupling components; (e) said system including only one feature selected from the group consisting of: (i) said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein and an at least partially threaded exterior surface, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component having an at least partially threaded interior surface; (ii) said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein and an exterior threaded surface, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component having an interior threaded surface, said first magnet embedded within said male coupling component; (iii) said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein and an exterior threaded surface, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component having an interior threaded surface, said first magnet embedded within said female coupling component; (iv) at least one of said coupling components being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein, said at least one of said coupling components comprising a base and a shaft, said shaft connected at one end thereof to said base, said shaft forked to have two tines separated by said gap; (v) said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein and an at least partially threaded exterior surface, said primary coupling component comprising a base and a shaft, said shaft connected at one end thereof to said base, said shaft forked to have two tines separated by said gap, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component having an at least partially threaded interior surface; (vi) said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein and an exterior threaded surface, said primary coupling component comprising a base and a shaft, said shaft connected at one end thereof to said base, said shaft forked to have two tines separated by said gap, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component having an interior threaded surface, said first magnet embedded within said male coupling component; and (vii) said primary coupling component being a male coupling component having a gap defined therein and an exterior threaded surface, said primary coupling component comprising a base and a shaft, said shaft connected at one end thereof to said base, said shaft forked to have two tines separated by a gap, said secondary coupling component being a female coupling component having an interior threaded surface, said first magnet embedded within said female coupling component; and (f) said coupled coupling components being secured to said fishing line when said fishing line is secured between said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component.
 16. The system of claim 15, said at least one fishing accessory being said second magnet, said second magnet attractable to said first magnet.
 17. The system of claim 15, said at least one fishing accessory being said second magnet, said second magnet attractable to said first magnet, said system further comprising at least one additional magnet, said at least one additional magnet attractable to said second magnet.
 18. The system of claim 15, said at least one fishing accessory including said second magnet being a float with said second magnet affixed thereto.
 19. The system of claim 15, said coupled coupling components capturing said fishing line when said fishing line is secured between said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component.
 20. The system of claim 15, said coupled coupling components capturing said fishing line to prevent said fishing line from escaping or slipping out when said fishing line is secured between said primary coupling component and said secondary coupling component.
 21. The system of claim 15, wherein said fishing line is captured by said coupled coupling components in an adjustably secure relationship that can be adjusted without completely disengaging said coupled coupling components. 